To the Editor:
I am writing to join the chorus of Guilderland residents who support Kimberly Blasiak, Kelly Person, Katie DiPierro, and Gloria Towle-Hilt in their candidacies for the Guilderland Board of Education.

A great deal of information has been provided by these candidates. Their biographies are available online, as are their statements at the in-person forum on April 20, as reported by The Altamont Enterprise. Another Q&A session was held on May 9 and is available to watch on YouTube.

Review of all of this information makes clear that they are best qualified and are concerned with the quality of the education being provided to local children. It is also clear that they want all students to feel safe, welcome and supported.

There is nothing in the Enterprise article or on their social media pages to suggest that they are promoting a particular political agenda. Rather, among other things, they strive to prepare “students to be lifelong learners” and “responsible citizens.” These are reasonable and worthy goals.

I have concerns with the slate that holds itself as the “Pro-Parent Choice” slate.

On the Facebook page for this slate, April McAllister says that she wants “to help parents vocalize their requirements for their children. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum selections, academic focus rather than secular world issues ….” Other candidates on this slate have made similar statements.

Parents have always had ample opportunity to be involved in school matters. They can attend parent-teacher conferences. They can join the PTA. They attend board of education meetings. They can attend school functions. They can talk to their children about their schoolwork and help with their homework.

Ms. McAllister’s words suggest that parents are excluded from school matters and that they get to set the curriculum. Neither of these suggestions is accurate.

This slate also holds itself as being “Pro-taxpayer.” As a taxpayer, I want to know that the schools are providing the best education possible in an atmosphere that is supportive of all students, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

The Guilderland Teachers’ Association sent a questionnaire to all of the candidates, giving each the opportunity to provide written answers to questions regarding strengths, priorities, DEI, school policy, book banning, and vision for the district. Based on their responses, the GTA stated that it shares the vision of the slate represented by Ms. DiPierro, Ms. Blasiak, Ms. Person, and Ms. Towle-Hilt.

The self-titled “Pro-Parent Choice” candidates did not reply to the questions. While there may be different reasons as to why they chose not to reply, this failure certainly raises concerns for me regarding their agenda, whose interests they really represent, and whether or not they can really try to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

I would suggest that Guilderland voters read the responses to the questionnaire sent by the Guilderland Teachers’ Association, view the forum (available on YouTube) held on May 9, and review the platform set forth by Ms. Blasiak, Ms. Person, Ms. Towle-Hilt, and Ms. DiPierro and join me in voting for them on May 17.

Jill Loew

Guilderland